Optimum cable ends price standoff over Starz, Encore channels

Six weeks after Starz channels were removed from Optimum, the cable company reached an agreement to return the channels to customers by the end of the month.

Optimum announced Tuesday it has reached a multi-year deal with Starz and Starz Encore to again air the premium networks’ programming. The channels will be included in the same packages as before.

In the meantime, customers can watch Starz and Starz Encore programming on the Starz app using their Optimum log-in and password.

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Optimum says it will keep the channels it added last month — Sony Movies, MGM HD, and Hallmark Drama. Starz and Starz Encore were pulled from Optimum systems on Jan. 1

“Our goal is to give customers the flexibility, choice and entertainment they want at a great value, and we appreciate their patience while we worked to reach a deal that was in their best interest,” said Hakim Boubazine, co-president and Chief Operating Officer of Altice USA, which owns Optimum.

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Optimum, which is owned by parent company Altice, serves hundreds of communities in north and Central Jersey as well as in New York and Connecticut.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.